Cell specialisation and differentiation

What is a Specialised cell ?

A cell that performs a specific function

What is Cell structure ?

It’s shape and the sub-cellular structures it contains

What does cell structure determine ?

The cells intended function

What is Differentiation ?

The process by which a cell changes to become specialised so that it can perform a specific function

What does differentiation involve ?

As the cell changes , it will develop different sub-cellular structures and turn into different types of cells

How is differentiation different in plant cells from animal cells ?

• In animals cells the ability to differentiate is lost after the cell becomes specialized

• Many plant cells never lose the ability to differentiate

What are cells that differentiate in mature animals used for ?

repairing and replacing cells (E.g. skin/blood cells)

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells that are used for growth repair and replacement